Fueling questions

Topic: Fueling questions (Read 1116 times) previous topic - next topic

Fueling questions

September 10, 2016, 10:46:28 am

In a few days I'll be picking up our new to us '98 36' U-320. This is our first DP.

When at truck stops are there any issues using the truck lanes and the high flow commercial truck nozzles with the FT tanks? Or should I plan on using the lower flow consumer pumps?

Any fueling tips/etiquette that folks can share? Such as:
- do you shut the engine off when fueling (big rigs don't, and the turbo will need cool down time)?
- do truck lanes have pay at the pump, or do you go inside?
- if you go inside do you pull away from the pump first so the truck behind you can start fueling?

Thanks,
Chris

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #1 – September 10, 2016, 10:54:00 am

I usually shut down the engine while fueling Most have pay at the pump. some you have to go inside. After fueling if I have to go inside, then yes pull ahead so others behind you can get to the pump. Just common courtesy

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #2 – September 10, 2016, 10:56:25 am

Chris -

Slow pumps can be a nuisance, but often prices can be cheaper at small stations that are not truck stops - Use "Gas Buddy" ap to find prices, and Google Maps to figure out if you can navigate into and out of the pumps.

At truck stops, I like to use the truck lanes. Stop, level coach, get out and pump. Some you are better off going inside to give them a credit card to start pump. If you start with card at pump likely it will shut off at $100 or less, kind of a pain. Almost no truck stops will let you pump with out using a card at pump, or going inside.

Engine on of off is your option, I usually shut mine down, but many big rig drivers don't so that isn't much of n etiquette violation. I usually idle into the lot and up to pumps, and with off ramp time and short drive to truck stop from exit, have not had any issues RE turbo cocking due to lack of cool down. Others smarter than I can weigh in.

I have a FlyingJ RV card that allows cash price less 6 cents at their pumps and direct bills me (discount might have just changed for the worst), but i don't use it very much anymore since their prices have gotten so high.

Good luck and welcome to the fun!

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #3 – September 10, 2016, 11:00:59 am

Thank you both for your replies.

Air leveling is a new feature to us, and I hadn't thought about leveling at the pump. I appreciate the suggestion.

Chris

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #4 – September 10, 2016, 11:05:32 am

I leave ours running,idling helps cool turbo,truck lanes have pay at the pump but make sure your card has the amount limit to
fill 150 gallons.Most of the time there will be no one behind you but you could pull up.

As to the consumer pumps,try filling the 150 gal tank at slow speed,it will be the last time,plus most are harder to get to.

Remember you can fill coach from either side and some truck pumps have it set up so you can use 2 pumps at once on the
same reading,and do not let tank get below 1/4 as a precaution.Hope that helps.

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #5 – September 10, 2016, 11:09:36 am

If you have to go inside to pay then do pull up so the one behind you can start fueling.. Not even all the "truckers" do that especially the newer ones but it is considered bad manners to sit at the pump.. I usually shut down at fueling truck or motor home because that is a good time to check engine oil and do a walk around.. If I seem a bit down on some trucker manners it's because I started my trucker schooling in 69 and I try to keep my old habits that my older brothers taught me who were "real" truckers and have both passed on.. The newer bunch for a big part are centered on self but I'm teaching you to be better than that.. Enjoy the new coach and if any of my companies drivers see you having trouble on the road they are likely to offer help as they are old school as well.. If not they would have me to answer to.

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #6 – September 10, 2016, 11:16:01 am

Tim is right on the leveling,one time we were a little un-level and when I went to the opposite side to add fuel additive I got
a little diesel soaking.

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #7 – September 10, 2016, 11:24:56 am

Turbo will cool down while leaving highway, entering fuel station, waiting for pump. I shut down to refuel if my pyro shows lower temps.

Join Good Sam, get the fuel card for Pilot and Flying J. .06 off per gallon, don't have to go inside - just swipe and fuel at pump. Write down the numbers on the pump and your odometer if you want to calculate MPG, no receipt at truck pump (have to go inside if you want receipt). No $$ shutoff with the fuel card.

I use almost exclusively the truck lanes and pumps. Buy a box of medical gloves at Walmart, use them to refuel (no diesel smell on your hands).

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #8 – September 10, 2016, 11:27:16 am

also handy to "un-Level" when you dump waste water and sewage....

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #9 – September 10, 2016, 11:28:25 am

We have been there - our Foretravel is our first RV and our first diesel fueled vehicle. It was a learning experience, for sure. I'll tell you what I do, but don't take it for gospel. Others will give different advice, I'm sure.

1. Fuel in the truck lanes, whenever possible. The "high flow" nozzle and pumping rate won't be any problem. You can fuel from either side of your coach (Unicoach), or in my case from the passenger side (Unihome), because there is a "master" hose and a "slave" hose at each pump. To use the "slave hose", you have to first turn on the "master hose" at the pump. I just set it on the ground in front of the pump, then walk around to the passenger side, and pump my fuel. Access into and out of the truck lanes is usually MUCH easier than if you use the "Auto" or "RV" lanes.

2. When I started out, I shut my engine off at the pumps. After observing most trucks leaving their engines running, I started doing the same. There are stories on this Forum of members shutting down their engine to fuel, and being (for a variety of reasons) unable to restart. I would very much like to avoid this possibility. I have never been criticized or chastised for leaving engine running.

3. If you use a "standard" credit card, you might have to pay inside, or else be subjected to a low dollar limit on the sale. Inside, they will want to "pre-run the card" for a certain amount, so you have to predict accurately in advance how much fuel you will need. This is not too difficult, after you get some experience with your coach's idiosyncrasies. To be able to "pay at the pump" without dollar limit, you need a special "fleet fueling" type credit card. These are available from several sources...search this Forum for recommendations. I use the Pilot Flying J RV Plus card at their truck stops, and it works fine. But I prefer to use my Pacific Pride credit card from Pioneer Fuel. (Pacific Pride Commercial Fueling Network) The locations are usually much cleaner and less congested, and prices are competitive. They are always my first choice, when available.

4. If you are paying inside at a truck stop, it is considered good form to pull forward when you finish pumping. There is often a line at the cash register, and you don't need to tie up the pump while you stand in line to pay. In these situations, my DW will usually take the credit card inside and handle the transaction, while I pull forward and then do a "walk-around" to check the coach and towd before we take off on the next leg.

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #10 – September 10, 2016, 11:46:58 am

In Arizona the truck pumps are a higher price than the auto diesel. We fill up twice when going to the NASCAR race in Phoenix once coming in and once going of AZ. Price way cheaper than in Los Angeles. I don't know if other states have the same issue, it has to do with road tax on the trucks being much higher. Someone will probably post that the auto diesel pump there say for 26,000 and less GVW. I filled the old Foretravel there for 18 years with no one ever bothering me about weight. It was 35,000 GVW

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #11 – September 10, 2016, 12:41:13 pm

If you have a propane refrigerator you should turn it off before fueling. It does have an open flame.

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #12 – September 10, 2016, 12:53:21 pm

I tend to use the curb side filler only and after leveling I re- add a bit of tilt up on the fill side.

Pulling back the nozzle a bit and having the fill at the top stop can allow 10 more gallons in the tank.

Verifying it's the same full makes it easier to calculate your mpg.

Which is hard unless you factor in the gen hours at .44 gph.

Aqua got uses diesel but not sure how much. Smaller than the gen by far.

If you are mechanically sensitive, pay attention guy who likes to improve your driving experience a lot of us here have optimized your coaches systems.

Feel free to pm me if you want anything.

Spent the last four years going through our entire coaches mechanical systems. All done.

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #13 – September 10, 2016, 12:55:47 pm

The only drawback of using a truck lane in my opinion is all the oil on the ground. I had a pair of slip-on covers but they wore out. David

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #14 – September 10, 2016, 01:26:26 pm

At truck stops you can usually get a better price by paying cash inside instead of using a credit card. You probably already knew that but I read this entire thread and didn't see it mentioned yet.

Truck stops are usually the most expensive diesel in the area, but they're convenient to get in and out of. Every time you approach an automobile pump you're risking a possible collision with cars, pedestrians, the pump itself, and anything else. You have to take that into consideration before you pull in. Think about how you're going to get out before you pull in. Look over the situation carefully as you approach the filling station. If in doubt keep going because it's not worth saving a few dollars on fuel while having an accident in the process. After you have a few close calls you'll know what to look for and what to avoid.

The difference in diesel prices in AZ is due to the different tax rate for commercial vehicles and private vehicles. If I remember correctly the tax rate for commercial vehicles is about 26 cents per gallon and the rate for private vehicles is quite a bit lower. Look at the sticker on the pump to see which tax rate that particular pump is charging you. If they have another diesel pump walk over there and see what that sticker says before you start pumping because they probably have different rates if there's more than one pump. An RV is supposed to pay the commercial tax rate if it's over a certain weight, which I think is 26,000 or if it has more than two axles, which may include the toad but I don't know for sure. Enforcement is probably very infrequent. I'm talking about Arizona specifically. I don't know if other states have different tax rates for commercial and private vehicle diesel.

If you shut off your engine at a truck stop and can't get it started you've probably got a diesel mechanic right there to help you. If you shut off your engine anywhere else and can't get it started you probably don't have a diesel mechanic there... just saying.

Also pay attention to what was said in a previous reply about the master and slave pump in the truck stop. If you're filling up on the passenger side you'll probably need to have someone at the truck stop show you how this works, and it sometimes works a little differently at different pumps. Most of the time you start the driver's side pump first, set the nozzle on the ground, walk around to the passenger side pump, turn it on and start pumping. You have to keep walking over to the driver's side pump to see how much you've pumped. It's kind of annoying. It's confusing figuring out exactly which pump number you want them to turn on. It's usually the number of the pump on the driver's side even though you're using the pump on the passenger side. You have to pay attention and hopefully the pumps are numbered in a logical pattern that you can figure out.

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #15 – September 10, 2016, 01:35:47 pm

Maybe the newer FTs have a larger fuel filler, but ours BARELY takes the larger hoses, and I've had the spring mechanism on the nozzle jam in the filler tube. Not fun, almost expected someone to walk-by and say, "Just bought the coach, buddy?"

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #16 – September 10, 2016, 02:21:36 pm

I hate guessing how many gallons I need and prepay in cash. I appreciate suggestions on pilot credit card. I have a pilot card but it is not a credit card.

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #17 – September 10, 2016, 02:21:57 pm

As a relative "noob" to owning a FT, I ran into a few of the above issues. I learned the hard way about the master and slave pumps at a truck stop in Ontario, Ca. Now know better.

Never thought about leveling, will do that in the future.

Had some close calls getting to the pumps at regular stations, but I agree that it's usually cheaper going to an Arco vs a truck stop. I used Gas Buddy many times and got great rates, but some tricky driving to get in. Look at the station on the aerial view first to plan out the entry and exit. I maneuvered a lot to get to an open pump, only to find it was out of order.

Out where I'm at now (South Dakota), you have to pay attention to the pumps and know there is AG Diesel (agricultural diesel), which is supposed to be used for farm machinery and not for road use. Price isn't much different than the regular diesel, but still not for our coaches.

Since I have a 40'er, I have to plan a little more getting in and out, but it means I also don't have any dings or near misses.

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #18 – September 10, 2016, 02:40:36 pm

Flying J usually has dedicated RV lanes with cheaper fuel than the truck lanes. You get the cash price with a credit card and the Good Sam discount. They are also much cleaner. I don't like tracking oil into the coach from a very dirty truck lane. The nozzle is small but it gives me time for a stretch and a coach walk around.

Rich

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #19 – September 10, 2016, 02:55:54 pm

If you are using a truck stop fueling with both sides, watch the slave side as there is a U Tube out there with somebody stealing fuel while someone was fueling up!

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #20 – September 10, 2016, 03:22:08 pm

Thank you to everyone for the responses! I had no idea about the master/slave pump setup.

I appreciated the info on the Flying J/Pilot card. We never looked into the card before because we live in a black hole for Flying J/Pilot stations, but will do that now. That's where we typically fuel up while traveling.

The area we live in is covered by Quarels fuel. They have a fleet fuel card program and offer three cards. As you step up in the type of card the number of filling stations nationwide increases.

I called about their cards and was told they won't give their cards out to private customers. You have to be a business.

Their cardlock stations do accept VISA, but there is a $75 limit per transaction. Nothing prevents you from running the card multiple times at the pump island.

Chris

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #21 – September 10, 2016, 03:36:14 pm

Quote

The only drawback of using a truck lane in my opinion is all the oil on the ground.

I slip on a pair of Crocs when fueling. Keeps the oil out of the coach. Some of the truck lanes are really dirty.
jor

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #22 – September 10, 2016, 04:50:15 pm

Quote from: craneman – September 10, 2016, 11:46:58 am

In Arizona the truck pumps are a higher price than the auto diesel. We fill up twice when going to the NASCAR race in Phoenix once coming in and once going of AZ. Price way cheaper than in Los Angeles. I don't know if other states have the same issue, it has to do with road tax on the trucks being much higher. Someone will probably post that the auto diesel pump there say for 26,000 and less GVW. I filled the old Foretravel there for 18 years with no one ever bothering me about weight. It was 35,000 GVW

Most truck stops I have used in AZ now have a state form certifying your vehicle is under 26,000 GVW you have to sign to get the fuel tax waved. They want your name, address and vehicle Lic #, With States looking for every $$$ it is too easy for them to trace back to being over 26,000 GVW. I just pay the tax...

Also watch out for 80-20 Bio fuel.... the coach will do just fine but the Aqua Hot will not like it in cold weather... Long story on how I know that...

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #23 – September 10, 2016, 04:56:25 pm

Quote from: Ted H – September 10, 2016, 04:50:15 pm

Most truck stops I have used in AZ now have a state form certifying your vehicle is under 26,000 GVW you have to sign to get the fuel tax waved. They want your name, address and vehicle Lic #, With States looking for every $$$ it is too easy for them to trace back to being over 26,000 GVW. I just pay the tax...

Also watch out for 80-20 Bio fuel.... the coach will do just fine but the Aqua Hot will not like it in cold weather... Long story on how I know that...

I'll know in Nov. if the one we stop at has started this.

Re: Fueling questions

Reply #24 – September 10, 2016, 05:04:39 pm

Good questions Chris

We (try to only) use Flying J/Pilot, Internet & smartphone apps available
Our Foretravel handles large nozzle high flow pumps
Will be necessary to learn how to answer keyboard DEF & Refer questions, which seem to be standardized at different truck stops
Use Pilot/FlyingJ MyRewards card which gives us "Pump-Start", so we can stop, fill, pull-up, go inside to pay, get cash price with credit card, get discount/gallon
https://myrewards.pilotflyingj.com/rv_customer.aspx
We choose our credit card that gives us the highest reward
Always use truck pumps (no gas nozzles)
Never use RV or auto lanes, even if cheaper (some have accidently grabbed gas nozzle and used it), hard to fit & turn
Always leave engine running, if can't restart they may call a tow truck at your expense, especially if few pump slots
We fill on street side which is the main pump with readout and keypad
We use locking fuel tank cap on curb side inside unlocked compartment door, don't fill from curb side
Use a pair of leather gloves to handle pump
Most lanes are clean, but usually wash bottom of shoes in bathroom after paying
Use flashlight to see level of fuel
May have to stay with nozzle because it prematurely kicks off too often
Some Arizona truck stops have no-road-tax RV/pick-up-truck pumps, others will lower price at register before paying, truck tax premium may not be too much, if you have to use truck pump
Try to fill up when gallons to be purchased is between 30-60 gallons, always want to be more than 1/3 full, tank overheats if too low
Only fill based upon odometer miles since last fillup, never use dash fuel gauge
Always fill as full as we can
Have occasionally tilted coach side to side with fill side higher to maximally fill, because next truck stop is too far away
Log odometer, generator hours, gallons, price when filling to calculate mpg over time, variance may indicate problem
Always try to have full tank when stopping or parking for an extended time period, to reduce condensation accumulation
Do not choose truck stop location mainly based upon price /gallon
We don't usually use truck stops for dumping or filling propane, as their fill location brings us in contact with RVs and autos
We don't overnight or park with trucks, have the opinion that some truckers 'hate' RVers and have heard about intentional damage to tires and radiator, we fill up and leave

Affiliate Notice